Mali Country Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and development initiatives. The organization is dedicated to helping communities overcome adversity and build resilience through innovative solutions and partnerships. In Mali, Mercy Corps has been active since 2013, working to support local communities in restoring peace and stability while addressing humanitarian and development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Mali Country Manager is a pivotal role that combines high-level program management, business development leadership, and official representation responsibilities. This position requires a dynamic leader who can provide strategic vision and manage complex multi-sector programs. The Country Manager will oversee program strategy, implementation, and quality, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders, including donors and local authorities. The role also involves actively participating in portfolio management and growth, providing leadership and technical oversight across humanitarian and development programming, and ensuring that programs meet their targets and deliverables on time and within budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategy and Planning: Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for Mercy Corps’ programs in Mali, ensuring responsiveness to the evolving context. Pursue innovative programming opportunities and sustain the portfolio in alignment with the country strategy. Analyze the Mali crisis and incorporate findings into planning for humanitarian and recovery programming.
• Program Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of multi-sector programs, ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards. Support and mentor program teams, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Strategic Business Development: Identify and secure new funding opportunities that align with Mercy Corps’ strategic goals. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Team Management: Develop team capacity and assist with career development, promoting accountability and providing constructive feedback. Lead recruitment efforts for key positions.
• Program Quality, Evidence & Learning: Communicate program goals and strategies, ensuring adherence to technical standards. Support high-quality data collection and the development of a learning agenda.
• Finance & Compliance Management: Oversee financial management processes, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and Mercy Corps policies.
• Influence and Representation: Represent Mercy Corps in Mali to various stakeholders, maintaining strong partnerships and collaboration.
• Accountability to Affected Populations: Support efforts towards accountability to program participants and engage communities as equal partners in project design and evaluation.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Integrate safeguarding into work practices and encourage open communication within the team.

Required Qualifications:

• MA/S or equivalent in a relevant field.
• At least 5 years of continuous experience in portfolio and/or country management, with expertise in technical design and implementation of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, livelihoods, youth engagement, peacebuilding, and economic development.
• Proven experience in humanitarian response in complex contexts, particularly with international NGOs.
• Excellent representation abilities and experience interacting with authorities and donors.
• Strong management, mentorship, and leadership skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate technical issues effectively.
• Understanding of donor regulations and compliance.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability in a multi-cultural context.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, which may include international development, public administration, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development work, as well as for effective program management and strategic planning.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of continuous experience in portfolio and/or country management, with a strong emphasis on technical design and implementation of programs related to food security, livelihoods, youth engagement, peacebuilding, and economic development. Additionally, at least 2 years of experience in humanitarian response within a complex context, particularly with international NGOs, is highly advantageous. Candidates should also have experience in leadership roles, such as Director of Programs, which would provide valuable insights into managing multi-sector programs effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it enhances communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of local languages may also be beneficial in engaging with communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Bamako, Mali. The Country Manager will report directly to the Deputy Regional Director for Programs and will work closely with various teams within Mercy Corps, including regional leadership and technical teams. The role involves significant responsibilities in program management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, requiring a high level of accountability and ethical standards. Mercy Corps is committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to principles of safeguarding and ethical conduct.